Cycle News Staff | May 7, 2024
Two-time defending NORRA Mexican 1000 Champion Matt Sutherland, aboard a KTM 450 Rally, made it three in a row after out-dueling Ducati DesertX Rally-mounted Alexander Smith for the victory at this year’s race, April 28-May 3.
Matt Sutherland made it three wins in a row at the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally. Photo: NORRA Sutherland and Smith were locked in a battle the entire way. Smith won three of the seven special stages but was unable to overtake Sutherland, who won by 48 minutes.
Sutherland commented that this year’s course, designed by Jimmy Lewis, was very technical. He played a cat-and-mouse game all week with Smith and said he was glad to be at the final finish line with his third straight win.
Ducati had a lot riding on Alexander Smith’s shoulders, and he delivered. “We are delighted to celebrate Alexander Smith and the team’s remarkable achievement in the NORRA Mexican 1000 Rally on the DesertX Rally,” said Jason Chinnock, Chief Executive Officer at Ducati North America. “This is a fantastic result for us as we continue to explore our performance off-road. We have a lot of data to review to discuss how we win next time, but right now, it’s time to celebrate. His performance and intelligence not only underscore the power and precision of Ducati motorcycles but also fill us with pride and admiration for his success.”
Alexander Smith made it a race to the finish, with the Ducati DesertX rider finishing second. Sharing the podium with Sutherland and Smith in third place overall, approximately three hours back, was Amateur Rally class winner Alex Ritz. He was fast and consistent all week and pushed the pace for all the other competitors.
“It was an honor to ride behind these guys,” said Ritz, who rode a Honda XR650R. “This is really cool for my first rally and my first time at NORRA.”
Ritz practiced for six months using road books. He said he rides in Mexico a lot, and the trails that Lewis had connected and the places they were riding were amazing.
Next across the line, in fourth overall, was the winner of the 60+ class Larry Engwall. Eric Simensen was fifth overall and won the 50+ class.CN
OVERALL MOTORCYCLE
Matt Sutherland (KTM)
Alexander Smith (Duc)
Alex Ritz (Hon)
Larry Engwall (Hus)
Eric Simensen (KTM)
William St. Laurent (Hus)
Shane Wallack (Hon)
Abbott Cowen (Hon)
Aaron Prouty (Hon)
Nick Martin (KTM)
